Everyone is aware of how successful people can be when they make use of their career trajectory. You can learn from and emulate some well-known individuals, like Steve Jobs, Larry Page, and Bill Gates, etc…. A career trajectory develops a useful and astute orientation in addition to hastening the promotion process. Developing a career is not like landing a job; you have to work for it.
Are you where you want to be in your career? Do you find it difficult or overwhelming to make progress towards your career's objectives? Let's examine our guide and advice to find fresh approaches to achieving your professional goals by learning how to craft your career trajectory.
Table of Contents
- Types of Career Trajectory: Pick The One That Fits You
- 4 Key Steps to Plan a Career Trajectory
- The Secret to Build a Successful Career Trajectory
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tips For Better Engagement
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Types of Career Trajectory: Pick The One That Fits You
What is career trajectory? Career trajectory is defined as the movement of your career when you go through different roles, companies, and stages of your professional life. In other words, a pursuit of professional growth goes along with a path known as a career trajectory or career path.
Besides, it is crucial to know the type of career trajectory you are aiming for. A person's specific career goals determine the form of their career trajectory, which can be either vertical or horizontal.
Vertical Career Trajectory
This type of career development entails rising through to higher positions with greater responsibility within the same company or the same industry, and higher salaries. Consider a junior worker who advances through the ranks to become a member of upper management. An example is getting a promotion from entry-level employee to supervisor.
Horizontal (Lateral) Career Trajectory
This type of career development entails expanding your skill set across several industries and accepting new responsibilities or challenges. You might move to a new industry with the same position regardless of the change in salary.
For example, a game designer whose main duty is to create game content. The game designer also picks up new programming languages and abilities, developing into a crucial member of the team.
Apart from the two main types of career trajectory, there exists an additional type of backward.
**Backward: You risk reverting to your previous job status or income if you change career or lifestyle choices, such as going from full-time to part-time employment after having children.
4 Key Steps to Plan a Career Trajectory
Have you decided on what sort of career you want to pursue? The following advice can help you reach the top professional position or play a variety of roles before deciding on your ideal trajectory of career.
Step 1: Decide which path is right for you
Before creating an effective career development plan, you need to identify your types of career trajectory. Here are some popular tools you can use to identify your personality type:
- The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
- The Jungian Type Index (JTI)
- The Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Step 2: Find a suitable way to develop your career trajectory
Once you've determined your personality type, it's time to figure out how to best nurture it. You can develop the skill sets needed for the promotion you've always wanted. You can pursue further education or training for alternative career experiences, or you can pick up new skills at work.
Tips for Advanced Career Trajectory:
There are some strategies to grow your career and move up the ladder, whether you're looking for a new job or trying to get promoted at your current company:
- Assume your role and perform it well.
- Take advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves. Accept more responsibility than is necessary.
- Continue to pick up new abilities like project management, leadership, and presenting.
- Establish connections with coworkers and superiors.
Tips for ChangingCareer Growth Trajectory:
A career growth trajectory can take many different shapes, and you are always free to veer off course, especially if your current position isn't fulfilling you. When you've decided to change careers, take these actions to get started:
- Consult a career counselor to help you organize the knowledge and expertise you'll need.
- Seek out freelance projects that diverge from your present line of work.
- Acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary for the position you wish to hold.
- Make connections with experts in the field you wish to pursue.
Step 3: Detail long-term and short-term plans
Think about your ideal career and your goals for the next five to ten years. You can map out a career path toward your long- and short-term career goals by defining them.
Although you don't have to adhere to these plans precisely, having them at hand helps you move forward. By creating a precise and well-organized schedule, you increase your chances of success.
Step 4: Track your milestones and revise
Record your accomplishments and acknowledge them as you go. To encourage yourself to keep up the good work, reward yourself with a gift or an experience from your to-do list.
A clear and comprehensive trajectory of career plan is necessary, but complete adherence to it is not required. It ought to be adaptable enough to change with the times. Your career plan might require adjustments as you get older, as your circumstances change, and as your goals change. Try to review and adjust your plan approximately every six months.
The Secret to Build a Successful Career Trajectory
A successful event requires knowing where you are, what you don't have, and what new steps you want to take. You also need to plan it and execute it flexibly and intelligently. It is still insufficient, though, if you want to advance more quickly. The following are some trade secrets for a more successful career that not everyone is aware of.
Know your environment
Being aware of your environment is crucial to adhering to a successful and realistic career development plan. Is expansion welcomed and easy in your company? Is there a lot of competition for the position you want?...
Utilize a chance to learn new education or training opportunities
Never pass up the chance to develop personally and professionally. Finding training programs, classes, or workshops that will advance your career is a part of career planning. Make use of any professional development opportunities your company may provide. This is free money that can help you accomplish your objectives.
Match your strengths and qualities with potential jobs
Selecting a career that aligns with your personality and temperament is crucial. It's a common belief that you should play to your strengths rather than trying to overcome your weaknesses.
Steer clear of making decisions solely based on how much money you will make
Even though you want to be financially secure in the future, you shouldn't base your choice only on what you expect to earn. You are welcome to look into the potential earnings of different jobs, but instead of just selecting the one that will pay the highest salary, try to find the one that you feel is most suited for you. This will help you have a successful career.
Step out of your comfort zone
Finally, get outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to voice your opinions to help the company solve its challenging issues. Or you might have to start over if you try a new career. A career is similar to life in that it always presents a challenge and worthwhile opportunity upon entering.
Key Takeaways
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write a career trajectory?
When you're ready to design your career trajectory, start by listing your strengths, and your professional style, then move on to your interests and pastimes. Next, list the things that are most important to you. Examine everything on your list and consider the sectors of the economy that might use your skills.
Additionally, you can use a free template that includes numerous charts and illustrations that you can store online for accessibility in any circumstance.
What are the four career trajectories?
Four Career Trajectories include Linear, Expert, Spiral, and Transitory.
Linear: Conventional upward mobility is driven by achievement and power, with varying job role tenure.
Expert: Due to deepening expertise in a particular discipline, there is little movement and a long role tenure.
Spiral: Lateral movement lasting seven to ten years in roles, to broaden functional exposure.
Transitional: The desire for independence and variety drives lateral moves with three- to five-year tenures.
What is a career progression path?
Career progression path refers to advancing in your line of work. A few instances of career advancement include moving up the corporate ladder, accepting new responsibilities, changing to better positions, and realizing your long-term goals. It is equivalent to developing one's career.
Ref: MasterClass
